GhostRiders training camp report
February 11, 2007 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Osceola Ghostriders News Release
[KISSIMMEE, Fla.] - Opening night at the Silver Spurs Arena is two weeks from today and Head Coach Marquette Smith likes what he sees from his GhostRiders.
"There are still some position battles taking place, but for the most part our team is really starting to take shape," states an optimistic Smith. Position Updates...
QB - Former Golden Knight, Brandon Sumner has shown great improvement in the last three days. "Brandon has really stepped up lately. He is getting a much better feel for the offense," states Smith. "But there is still a week left of camp left and expect both guys to battle."
RB - Paul Sharpe and Terrance Bunting have emerged as the front runners at the running back position. "If I had to say right now, we'd be starting Sharpe. T.B. will get some touches at running back and will line up at "X" as well," states Smith.
WR - The electric James Panui is starting to look like the guy who led his team in receiving each of the last two seasons. Smith explains, "Panui is starting to get it going. He has made great strides in the past couple of days. James is really stepping up as a leader and showing some of our younger guys how to be a pro." Darnellius Jones is playing his way into the #2 spot and there is a very tight battle for the third wide receiver position between Julius Eppinger, Lamont Finney and Luther Huggins.
OL - 350 pound Ray Marshall is looking pretty comfortable along side veterans Corey Haynes and David Aubrey. "We like Ray a lot. Our O-line is looking good right now," states Smith.
DL - Myqual Spann looks to anchor a defensive line that will also include returning starter Harvey Joiner, Leon Moore and Carl Reeves. Spann will certainly be a force to be reckoned with, that is if the Orlando Predators don't sign him. Spann will get a two day tryout from the Preds next week. Two GhostRiders hopefuls, Terrell Showers and Glenroy Watkins were released this week according to Smith, "This is the hard part. Everyone here is a great athlete. At this point, we are looking for guys that fit best into our system."
LB - The story here is the local kid, Roger Sippio at the Jack position. "Sipp is scary. That kid is going to be a force in this league," explains a smiling Smith. At Mike, Sam Smalls returns from last season while a rookie from UCF, Stanford Rhule continues to play well in camp. James Cook was released.
DB - Turmarian Moreland, the speedy corner from Hawaii is the probable starter at one corner, while Sergio Smith has emerged as the likely starter at safety. Others vying for the final spot in the defensive backfield include James Smith, Daveoin Smith, Calvin Brown and Rashad Mays.
Smith and his assistants will have their work cut out for them as the GhostRiders will trim the roster to an active twenty players and five on the injury/reserve list by the end of camp in accordance with WIFL rules.
Injury Report brought to you by Official Team Doctor, Dr. Leddy and Orthopaedic Associates of Osceola as well as Official Team Chiropractor, Dr. Tony and Nalda Family Chiropractic...
Jeremy Simpson, WR, Knee, 3-4 weeks
"Movin' on Up" - Here is a look at GhostRiders in camp with AFL teams...
Charles Jones, DB, Georgia Force Myqual Spann, DL, Orlando Predators
Players Released...
James Cook Terrell Showers Glenroy Watkins
GhostRiders Tickets...
GhostRiders Ticket Packages for the 2007 season are on sale now with tickets under $10. Be a part of the action with season tickets or flex tickets. Individual game tickets can be purchased in person at the Silver Spurs Arena Box Office weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; by phone (407) 839-3900; on the Web at www.ticketmaster.com; or at any Ticketmaster outlet. For season or flex tickets or for more information, please call 407-210-2383 to speak with a Ticket Representative or email tickets@ghostridersfootball.com.
Opening Night is February 24 vs. the Augusta Spartans. Don't miss it!
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World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from February 11, 2007
- Thatcher leads Spartans to win in WIFL opener - Augusta Colts
- GhostRiders training camp report - Osceola Ghostriders
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